Barbiturates

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are a class of central nervous system (CNS) depressant sedatives derived from barbituric acid. Barbiturates are legally prescribed for sedation, muscle relaxation and anti-anxiety indications. Barbiturate intoxication is similar to alcohol intoxication. Barbiturates are narcotic tranqulizers and thus habit-forming. The onset of action can be 15 to 40 minutes and can last up to 12 hours. Barbiturates are usually ingested in pill form, although they can be dissolved in water and injected. The following are different varieties of barbiturates:

• Amobarbital (Amytal)
• Aprobarbital
• Butabarbital (Fiorinal)
• Hexobarbital (Sombulex)
• Methylphenobarbital (Mebaral)
• Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
• Phenobarbital (Luminal)
• Secobarbital (Seconal)
• Talbutal (Lotusate)
• Thiobarbital
• Tuinal

How Barbiturates Affect the Body

Barbiturates enhance and amplify the activities of one of the brain’s primary neurotransmitters (gamma amino butyric acid – GABA). When aided by barbiturates, GABA shuts off large portions of the brain, producing the sedative, relaxation, and anti-anxiety effects. Many forms of prescription sleeping pills containing barbiturates are commonly used. Recreational dosages create similar effects to alcohol intoxication, including slurred speech, impaired judgment and decreased motor control. Barbiturates are frequently abused because of the calm, peaceful feelings they elicit. As an individual continues to use barbiturates, the body very quickly develops a tolerance to its effects, and increasing amounts of medication must be taken to produce the same effects. Barbiturates are prone to accidental fatal overdose because the difference between an effective dose and a lethal dose narrows as the length of use increases.

Barbiturate Withdrawal, Detox, Recovery and Treatment

Convincing the barbiturate addict to enter treatment is often very difficult, especially if he or she has a prescription for the drugs. Barbiturate withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and very severe. A medical detox may be required, as cessation can cause seizures, delusions, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and in some cases death. The withdrawal from barbiturates can be a long process and continued support will be needed to help the addict live free. Many patients require assistance beyond pharmacological treatment of withdrawal symptoms and are treated with behavioral therapies and inpatient treatment.(hyperlink to 6 finding a treatment program)